What documentation does FFL need to receive gun from out of state?

[newfalguy101]

upon further reflection,

I couldnt send it back, afterall, if I dont know who it came from, who would I send it back to??

Course, if I simply refused the shipment, it would go back from whence it came.

There are all kinds of different ideas about whats needed and whats not needed, I still grumble when I run across someone who asks for something rediculous, BUT, if I want to buy from them, I must play by their rules ( once).

Federal laws says one thing, State law may say something different, and we havent even gotten to local ordinances yet.

 

[nalioth]

upon further reflection,

I couldnt send it back, afterall, if I dont know who it came from, who would I send it back to??

I don't think that's what we're talking about here (at least I'm not).

Gunsmith Bob receives a package with a legible return address on it, but gets his knickers in a twist because the package doesn't contain a xerox of a DL, birth certificate, this month's magazine centerfold, etc - as he (not the law) required.

For a gunsmith to "call the ATF to impound the gun" over this is just sad.

The title of the OP is "What documentation does an FFL need?" - and the answer from a legal standpoint is "None". A legible return address is all that is required.

 

[oneounceload]

Having sold a shipped a variety of guns over the last few months, I have always told the buyer tat I was NOT a FFL, and to make sure his FFL would accept the shipment. I always addressed the shipment to the buyer care of the FFL, so the FFL would know who to call.....(many do not like to open the box until the buyer is there just because). I have never had an issues like this. I always included a Bill of Sale with the buyer's name, the gun description and serial number, date, etc., and a copy of my DL

No issues so far

 

[medalguy]

Just my .02:

I am no longer a ffl holder, was for many years. Whenever I buy a gun online now, I always inform the seller that my ffl needs "FOR XXXXX(my name)" on the label of the shipping container so he knows exactly what he's receiving, and I always let him know just what is coming to him, from whom, and from where. This is just simple courtesy, and I've never had a problem.

 

[newfalguy101]

Thats a great policy, medalguy !!

When I ship a gun I've sold, I always put

re: Customers last name

directly above the FFL's name on the shipping label, that way they know who the package is for before they ever even open it.

 

[nalioth]

Thats a great policy, medalguy !!

When I ship a gun I've sold, I always put

re: Customers last name

directly above the FFL's name on the shipping label, that way they know who the package is for before they ever even open it.

A correct way to send it is:

Johnny Buyer
c/o Gun Shop Name / Shop Owner Name
123 Whatever Street
Wherever, Texas, 00000


"re:" does what, exactly? I'm not familiar with that phrase.

 

[newfalguy101]

"re" mean REFERENCE as in this gun belongs to so and so, or this order is for so and so

the label looks like so:

re: my customer
Guns R us
Wherever street
Whatever city, state zip

So it says the exact same thing yours does

 

[nalioth]

"re" mean REFERENCE as in this gun belongs to so and so, or this order is for so and so

If you say so.

Looks to me like another internet term has entered the real world, causing confusion as it goes. . .

 

[hermannr]

I think one of the problems some ffls (especially pawn shop ffls I would suspect) have with received from other than another ffl is the risk of receiving stolen property.

I know two ffls in this area. The one that has a gunshop/pawn shop will only receive from another ffl and has stated as much about this covers his pawn behind against a possible charge of receiving stolen property. If the weapon is coming from another dealer/manufacturer he will not be asked how he proved it was not stolen.

The other guy is a gunsmith/sporting goods store. He will accept from a private individual. (but he charges more for the transfer too)

 

[TexasRifleman]

If you say so.

Looks to me like another internet term has entered the real world, causing confusion as it goes. . .

re: has been in use long before the Internet was around. That's old school typewriter business letter shorthand.

re: reference
enc: enclosure
cc: carbon copy

 

[nalioth]

I think one of the problems some ffls (especially pawn shop ffls I would suspect) have with received from other than another ffl is the risk of receiving stolen property.

No FFL doing a transfer incurs any liability in this situation, so I fail to understand why some have this requirement.

So they transfer an unknown-to-them stolen gun - when requested by the law, they can disclose who they sold it to and/or who they got it from. If they still have it, they can surrender it.

 

[dogtown tom]

nalioth Quote:

Originally Posted by newfalguy101
"re" mean REFERENCE as in this gun belongs to so and so, or this order is for so and so

If you say so.

Looks to me like another internet term has entered the real world, causing confusion as it goes. . .

Lemme guess your age.........under 35?

I almost blew a mouthful of Coke all over my keyboard (what I called a typewriter back in the pre internet days).

Just FYI....

Addressing the package as:

John Smith (customers name)
1234 Gunshop Lane
Plano, TX 75023

....WILL cause problems. If the package requires a signature and no one is available to sign, they leave a notice that your package may be picked up the next day at the local post office (or UPS/FedEx customer service center). USPS/UPS/FedEx require ID before releasing the package, but the name on the package does not match my name (I'm the FFL). Twice now, I've been told that only the addressee may sign for the package.:banghead:

The address label should only show the addressee.........the FFL. Any other information can be written elsewhere on the box.

 

[Bubba613]

I've never heard that. Typically it is only someone over 18. I've gotten I don't know how many packages with guns addressed to the recipient that I've signed for.

 

[NavyLCDR]

The post office charges extra for restricted delivery for a reason. Signature required delivery does NOT require the signature of the exact person to whom the package is addressed. Restricted delivery does:

http://www.usps.com/shipping/specialservices.htm

Confirmation at Delivery

Collect on Delivery (COD) - Want your customers to pay for their merchandise and/or postage at the time of delivery? We’ll pick up the payment for you – and get a signature to verify delivery.

Delivery Confirmation™ - You can verify when your package was delivered or get information on delivery attempts, forwardings, or returns. Delivery Confirmation is now available to most APO/FPO destinations and some Pacific Islands. Information is available online or via toll-free number.

Restricted Delivery - When you need to make sure your package lands in the right hands, choose Restricted Delivery. Only the individuals you specify are authorized to sign for it.

Return Receipt - Want hard evidence that your mail was delivered? With this service, you get a postcard sent to you, signed by the person who received your package.

Return Receipt for Merchandise - You’re covered both ways, with both a mailing receipt at the time of sending, and a signed, dated return receipt after delivery.

Signature Confirmation™ - Get written proof by asking us to request a signature from the person that received your mail or shipment. You can even have a proof of delivery letter with the signature of the recipient faxed or mailed to you upon request.

 

[hermannr]

The problem is in the WA state Pawn shop license, not the ffl, at least that is what I was told.

Something about holding items for 30 days: applies to anything that is taken into the pawn shop, before it can be released for sale if it does not come from a licensed wholesaler/dealer (not necessarily an ffl) or manufacturer. This is so there is time for the police to check for stolen goods, if they happen to be looking for something.

His pawn shop records have to reflect the holding period. (again, for the pawn shop, and it is a state requirement)